Virginia, known as the "Old Dominion," holds a central place in American history. It was the site of the first permanent English settlement in North America at Jamestown in 1607 and played a major role in the American Revolution and the Civil War. Eight U.S. presidents were born here, more than any other state.
Geography and Landscape
Stretching from the Appalachian Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean, Virginia features a wide range of landscapes. Its Blue Ridge Mountains, fertile Piedmont, and long coastline along the Chesapeake Bay support farming, tourism, and commerce.
Industry and Innovation
Virginia has a diverse economy that includes technology, military installations, shipbuilding, agriculture, and education. Northern Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C., is home to many federal agencies and tech companies.
Culture and Heritage
Historic towns, battlefields, and colonial landmarks are everywhere in Virginia, from Williamsburg to Appomattox. The state also has a thriving arts scene, traditional folk music in the mountains, and food influenced by Southern and coastal traditions.
Did You Know?
Virginia’s nickname comes from its loyalty to the British crown before independence. Its motto, “Sic Semper Tyrannis,” means “Thus Always to Tyrants”—a reminder of its long-standing revolutionary spirit.
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| Fact |
Detail |
Interesting Facts |
| Region |
South (Mid-Atlantic) |
- Virginia was the first permanent English settlement in America, established at Jamestown in 1607.
- Eight U.S. Presidents were born in Virginia, the most of any state except Ohio.
- The American Revolution and the Civil War both ended in Virginia (Yorktown and Appomattox).
- Virginia is known as the "Mother of Presidents" for producing many U.S. Presidents.
- The Pentagon, the world’s largest office building, is located in Arlington, Virginia.
- Virginia has more Civil War battlefields than any other state.
- Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia is one of the largest living history museums in the world.
- The Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the U.S., borders Virginia.
- Virginia’s state motto is "Sic Semper Tyrannis," meaning "Thus Always to Tyrants."
- Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive attract millions of visitors for their scenic views.
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| Population |
≈ 8.7 million |
| Area |
42,775 sq mi (110,787 km²) |
| Statehood Date |
June 25, 1788 (10th state) |
| Capital City |
Richmond |
| Largest City |
Virginia Beach |
| Abbreviation |
VA |
| Nickname |
The Old Dominion |
| Geography |
Coastal plains, Piedmont, Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian Plateau |
| Bordering States |
Maryland, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia |
| Economy |
Diverse: government, military, tech, agriculture, tourism |
| State Tree |
Flowering Dogwood |
| State Bird |
Northern Cardinal |
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